Burn ban in effect

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, May 16, 2010

County Judge Phil Fitzgerald has declared a burn ban for all of Liberty County.

Due to existing drought conditions in the county, there is now an imminent threat of destruction by wildfire. Therefore, all outdoor burning is prohibited and any violations of the ban are subject to fines.

An offense under this order is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fine of up to $500.

The order, however, does not apply to outdoor burning activities related to the public health and safety that are authorized and permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for firefighter training; public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; or planting and harvesting of agriculture crops.

The ban will remain in effect until May 25, 2010, or until a determination is made that drought conditions no longer exist.